Infamous

Definition

Well known for some bad quality or deed.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnfəməs/
• Respelling: IN-fuh-muhs (with "IN" as in "tin," "fuh" as in "sofa," and "muhs" as in "us")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnfəməs/
• Respelling: IN-fuh-muhs (with "IN" as in "tin," "fuh" as in "sofa," and "muhs" as in "us")

In both dialects, "infamous" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "IN." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "IN-fuh-muhs."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "infamis", meaning "of ill fame", from "in-" ("not") + "fama" ("fame").

Derivatives

• Infamy (noun)
• Infamously (adverb)
• Infamize (verb)
• Infamizing (verb, present participle)
• Infamed (verb, past tense)

Synonyms

• Notorious
• Disreputable
• Scandalous

Antonyms

• Reputable
• Honorable
• Esteemed

Usage

"Infamous" is commonly used to describe individuals, events, or actions that are known for negative reasons or bad deeds. It often implies a level of notoriety due to unethical or criminal behavior.

Related Terms

• Disgrace
• Reputation
• Scandal
• Notoriety
• Dishonor

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Infamous (Adjective, Reputation): Having an extremely bad reputation or being known for some bad quality or deed.
  • Example: "The dictator was infamous for his brutal regime."

• Infamous (Adjective, Legal): (Historical) Subject to a penalty for a criminal offense, implying a loss of civil rights.
  • Example: "In ancient Rome, certain crimes rendered a person infamous."

Note: "Infamous" is often used to describe a person, decision, or event that is known widely and usually unfavorably; it implies not just bad quality but also public disgrace or dishonor.